While most articulators are designed to replicate the hinge movements of the mandible, they differ greatly in their cost, adjustability and function. The latest iteration, plastic disposable hinges, were designed to save time, money and weight. Some use dowel pins, require multiple gypsum pours and set times, while others may offer a single gypsum application.

The latest addition to the disposable articulator group, the MainStay Disposable Articulators, offers  laboratories a choice; Choose between single-pour pin or pin-less models – or combine the two styles in the upper and lower arches. In addition, the MainStay^TM Disposable Articulator does not require model formers, needs no gypsum base and adjusts to accommodate any occlusal relationship. 

The MainStay^TM Articulator is available to use without pins in one of the quadrant designs, but the articulator is available with dowel pins for full arch, anterior and quadrant trays. Unlike conventional dowel pins, which rotate freely once they are lifted even a fraction of a millimeter, the MainStay^TM Pins feature two flat sides and a very long, gradual taper that prevents the pin from rotating within the articulator base. 

The Easy Pour & Articulation Technique for the MainStay Articulator

First, trim the impression to ensure that it fits properly between the trays. If you are using the Pin Articulator with the Main Model: place preparation side of impression above base and mark the center of the prepared tooth area. Place pins in each section of the working base you wish to remove (Fig. 1).

Starting with the working side, pour die stone into impression and base (Fig. 2).

For the Opposing Model: Invert the articulator and pour opposing base and impression (Fig. 3).

Finishing: When stone is set, separate model from the impression, use an arbor band to trim sides and section the models on base.  (Fig. 4).

IMPORTANT: Return model sections to base for the first 24 hours as the stone continues to expand and set.

TIP: If the occlusion is not right, heat above or below the hinge area to soften the articulator and properly align the occlusion (Fig. 5)

TIP: Pin Quadrant and Pinless Quadrant articulator halves may be used together (Fig. 6).